Feeling a Draft – Who’s Next?

The Royals did what many were hoping they would do and draft Bubba Starling.  Many were hoping for a pitcher but the best were off the board at that time so the question remains now of who is going to be picked up by the Royals with their next few picks today and Thursday.  The Royals will pick quickly again at #65 and there is still some good talent out there for them to get.  According to MLB.com’s list of 50 best prospects here are a few remaining that I think the Royals could go for (in the order I think the would take them):

Dillon Howard, RHP, Searcy HS – MLB.com #18 prospect – If Dayton Moore is really serious about scouting the area, then he will draft Howard.  Howard is from Arkansas and will cost over slot money but if the Royals think he’s worth it it won’t stop them.

Matthew Purke, LHP, TCU – MLB.com #27 prospect – Purke fits the profile of what the Royals were apparently looking for in this draft, a pitcher from college who could get to the pros quickly.  Purke will cost overslot money and has some injury concerns but as a LHP has good polish and a nasty 11-5 slurvy looking curveball that he commands very well with a fastball that hits 93-94, and a cutter and a change as well.

Daniel Norris, LHP, Science Hill HS – MLB.com #15 prospect – The reason such a highly rated pitcher still remains is concerns about the money it will take to sign him.  Low to mid 90’s fastball with action, good feel for CHG, slider with good life.  Pretty safe pick.

Anthony Meo, RHP, Coastal Carolina – MLB.com #26 Prospect – Another college pitcher who doesn’t have the highest ceiling (solid #2), but will be able to move quickly and produce.  Fastball sits at 94-96 with a solid out slider sitting 86-87 and a hard curve that could use some work.

Derek Fisher, OF, Cedar Crest HS – MLB.com #41 prospect – Another toolsy outfielder who has ties to the local area.  Definitely on the Royals radar and if he’s around in the 3^rd I bet they Royals take him, but I think he will be gone and the Royals will go pitcher in round 2.

This is just to give an idea of what could be ahead for the Royals today, but it should be an exciting day.  Just like football, the 1^st round pick is the most exciting, but you build your teams in day 2 (and day 3 of the new format of the NFL draft).  Should be exciting, tune in at 11 on MLB.com to see who the Royals take.